U.S. Navy Oiler Runs Aground Off The Coast Of Oman amd Sustains Major Damage

The U.S. Navy’s replenishment oiler, USNS Big Horn, ran aground off the coast of Oman on September 23, 2024.

All 80 crew members aboard the ship are safe with no injuries or environmental damage reported. All 80 crew members aboard the ship are safe with no injuries or environmental damage reported.

A video showed water entering a mechanical compartment and damage to the rudder post, leading to concerns over the ship's condition.

The Big Horn is a Kaiser-class oiler, critical for refueling U.S. carrier strike groups at sea since the 1980s.

With the Big Horn grounded, the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in urgent need of fuel.

The Big Horn is the only oiler deployed in the Middle East, intensifying the Navy’s refueling challenges in the region.

The Navy is facing a shortage of oilers, with plans to lay up 17 replenishment ships due to difficulties recruiting U.S. Merchant Mariners.

An investigation into the grounding of the USNS Big Horn is ongoing, with the ship being towed for assessment and repairs.